In an effort to enhance transparency and ease of investment, the government has introduced a significant rule change for individuals investing in Public Provident Fund (PPF), Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS),
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Mahila Samman Yojana, and Post Office schemes.
Effective from April 1, 2023, investors must possess both a PAN and Aadhaar card to participate in these schemes.
Therefore, if you have invested or plan to invest in these government savings schemes but lack either of these identification documents, it is crucial to obtain them promptly.
Investment Restriction
Failure to comply with the new rule will result in being ineligible to invest in the aforementioned schemes.
The government has implemented this change to ensure greater transparency and simplicity in investment processes, while also safeguarding the rights of scheme investors.
A recent notice issued by the Finance Ministry declared that both Aadhaar and PAN are now mandatory for investing in government-issued small savings schemes.
Previously, investors could participate in these schemes without an Aadhaar number.
Requirements for Opening Account
It is now imperative to present a PAN card for investments. According to the notice, investors must provide their Aadhaar number before making any investment.
Additionally, for investments beyond a certain limit, a PAN card is mandatory.
These changes have been introduced to streamline investment procedures and make government-run schemes more transparent and accessible.
If you currently do not possess an Aadhaar card, you must submit your Aadhaar number within six months of opening the account. Furthermore,
if your investments exceed the specified limit, you will need to provide a PAN card as well.
When opening a Small Savings Scheme account, the following documents will be required:
1) Passport size photo
2) Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrollment slip
3) PAN number (existing investors who fail to submit both PAN and Aadhaar cards by September 30, 2023, will have their accounts suspended from October 1, 2023.)
